A comic realistnovel of manners,[2]Mr. Sampath marks the first of three Narayan novels that take an external approach, focusing on events outside the protagonist, in contrast to Narayan's more internally-focused earlier novels.[3] The novel is set in 1938 under the British Raj, in the fictional town of Malgudi.[2]
Plot
The novel is made up of two parts: a first part dealing with the publication of a newspaper and centered on Mr. Sampath, and a second part focus on movie production and centered on Mr. Srinivas.[4]
In the first part, to bring out the journal The Banner, Mr. Srinivas, the editor, and Mr. Sampath, the printer, have to work together. The two entirely contrasting good-hearted characters forge a great partnership that makes The Banner the center of attention in Malgudi. However, a situation arises and they have to temporarily discontinue the journal.
In the second part, Srinivas and Sampath join hands with a film-making company where they have to trace varying paths, with their special bond still very deep. A love affair with the actress of the movie makes life difficult for the daring and over-ambitious Sampath, while the ethical Srinivas has his problems of over-responsibility. Some sour incidents in the studio force Srinivas to quit and revive his Banner with another printer, a thing that doesn't seem to bother Sampath caught entirely in the charm of the heroine. But Sampath comes back after the loss of the lady, his wealth, fame, and peace.
